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Vishu Festival 2026 - Malayalam New Year

Date: 14 April 2026

Full Date

14 April 2026 03:30 AM (Vishukkani viewing) – 14 April 2026 Evening 7:00 PM

Muhurat Timings in India

  • Vishukkani Darshan

    Viewing the Vishukkani at dawn (around 3:30–5:00 AM) is the most sacred ritual of Vishu, believed to bring wealth and positivity.

    14 April 2026 03:30 AM – 14 April 2026 05:00 AM

  • Vishu Kaineettam & Sadhya

    Elders distribute Kaineettam (money) to the young and enjoy Vishu Sadhya — a grand feast with over 20 vegetarian dishes on banana leaves.

    14 April 2026 12:00 PM – 14 April 2026 2:00 PM

Introduction

Vishu is the Malayalam New Year celebrated in Kerala and the Konkan-Tulu regions of India, marking the beginning of the zodiac year as the Sun enters Aries (Medam Rashi). The festival signifies light, hope, balance, and prosperity. Vishu is cherished for its key customs — Vishukkani (auspicious first sight), Kaineettam (gift exchange), and Sadhya (feast).

Other Names

Malayalam New Year, Vishukkani Festival, Medam Sankranti

Pooja Vidhi

  • Clean and decorate the prayer room with flowers and lighting lamps.
  • Arrange the Vishukkani items in an uruli (brass vessel) facing east with a lit lamp.
  • Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna with incense, sandalwood, and flowers.
  • Recite Vishnu Sahasranama or Krishna stotras for blessings.
  • After pooja, family members view the Vishukkani in order, starting with the eldest.

Rituals

  • The night before Vishu, families prepare the Vishukkani — a sacred arrangement of auspicious items symbolizing prosperity.
  • Items include rice, coconut, cucumber, fruits, gold, mirror (Valkannadi), coins, lamp (Nilavilakku), Kanikkonna flowers, and an image of Lord Krishna.
  • At dawn, devotees view the Vishukkani as the first sight of the new year, believed to bring prosperity.
  • Elders gift Kaineettam (money) to younger family members as blessings.
  • The day concludes with Vishu Sadhya — a traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaf.

Regional Highlights

  • Celebrated throughout Kerala with fireworks, new clothes (Kodi), and visits to temple for Vishu Phalam predictions.
  • At Sabarimala and Guruvayur temples, special Vishu Kani darshan and pujas attract thousands.
  • In Mangalore and Tulunadu, the festival is known as Bisu, sharing similar customs.
  • Families decorate homes with banana leaves, konna flowers, and oil lamps symbolizing light and renewal.

History

Vishu is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vishuva’, meaning ‘equal,’ denoting the day when day and night are nearly equal during the spring equinox. It heralds the beginning of the agricultural year in Kerala. Mythologically, Vishu marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and also symbolizes the Sun God’s return to the east following Ravana’s defeat.

Additional Information

  • Vishu signifies harmony of sunlight and earth marking nature’s balance at the spring equinox.
  • Vishukkani is believed to manifest abundance equivalent to the blessings viewed on dawn.
  • The festival represents renewal, balance, and gratitude for creation.
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